$4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the acceptable licenses/waivers. More information below.

Located in Bath County and divided by Lake Moomaw, the two tracts of the Gathright Wildlife Management Area contains 13,428 acres, encompassing three major mountains, Allegheny and Bolar Mountains west of the lake, and Coles Mountain to the east. Elevations range from 1,400 to 3,600 feet. The area’s long northwest boundary is marked by the crest of Allegheny Mountain where Virginia and West Virginia adjoin. Numerous streams flow eastward from the steep side of Allegheny Mountain and have created a series of secondary ridges and hollows that terminate at Mill Creek. The primary habitat found on the area is upland hardwood forest. Stands of oak/hickory and mixed oaks are the major forest types. Tulip popular grows in the more fertile hollows and small herbaceous openings are interspersed throughout much of the management area.

Directions

The Gathright Area is located about seven miles west of Warm Springs and about 10 miles north of Covington. Access the area via State Route 39 west of Warm Springs and Route 600 south to the management area. Consult map for more detail.

New Rules for Virginia WMAs
As of Jan 1, 2012, all Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries areas — pretty much any state WMA area — now requires either a valid VA (or non-resident VA) hunting license, fishing license, VA boat registration, or a paid Access Permit (daily, yearly, or group) to set foot on DGIF WMA lands. Waivers are only for those on official federal, state, or local government business, visiting graves, those 16 and younger, and those assisting disabled hunters who possess valid disabled hunter licenses. If you’re simply passing through via road, river, or the Appalachian Trail, you don’t need a pass, either.

Basically, all campsites in Virginia under the Fish and Wildlife category now cost a minimum of $4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the above licenses/waivers. Saltwater fishing licenses aren’t valid. (EDIT: freshwater licenses are $23/yr for residents). Learn more about the Access Permit »